A phrase used by car enthusiasts. It means the current owner of the car in question has paid for and/or done all the work to it themselves, rather than buying it pre-modified or renovated by a previous owner. This commands great respect by fellow enthusiasts.
My Chevrolet is built not bought
by YourAHarryWizard August 13, 2019
The anti-chequebook approach to the restoration and modification of old cars, in particular classic Fords. Budget, DIY home-grown fabrication and dedication as opposed to ready-made parts. In the shed, not off the shelf.
Person 1: “Did you buy that jolly fine manifold off the shelf?”
Person 2: “Shelf? I made the shelf... My car’s built not bought, mate.”
Person 1: “You the man.”
Person 2: “Shelf? I made the shelf... My car’s built not bought, mate.”
Person 1: “You the man.”
by Classic Ford mag September 17, 2009